John Cartwright is set to stay on as head coach of Catalans Dragons with the Australian reportedly signing a new two-year deal.
Cartwright, who is currently off-contract after signing a temporary deal until the end of the season, appears to have played a big role in a number of the Dragons’ overseas signings so it perhaps does not come as a surprise that he is staying at Catalans.
News of his decision was reported by Sky Sports’ Meg Wellens on coverage of Wigan Warriors versus Warrington Wolves with the pre-match news round-up announcing the new deal.
It would be a major deal if Catalans are to tie Cartwright down as their results have noticeably improved since his appointment in May, whilst the security of knowing that he is contracted until the end of the 2028 season will also offer the Dragons scope to plan.
We’ve already seen them planning for 2027 with their overseas recruitment and it’s believed that John Cartwright had played a role in that, hence it’s not a major surprise to see him pen a new deal.
Already signed for next year are Jesse Arthars, who Cartwright had coached at Brisbane, as well as spine star Tyson Gamble with Les Dracs moving to replace the outgoing Toby Sexton.
Whilst the play-offs look unlikely in 2026, they are still a possibility with Les Dracs picking up three wins from six since he took temporary charge, leaving them six points adrift of sixth-place.
The devastating Magic Weekend loss to Toulouse Olympique has likely scuppered those play-off hopes, however, the Dragons will host Leeds Rhinos tonight in the sweltering Perpignan heat where they will attempt to keep the Super League leaders to zero points again, as they have done on Leeds’ last three visits to the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
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